Which data source in population health management captures non-clinical factors?

• A. Claims data
• B. EHRs
• C. Social determinants information
• D. Lab results

Answer: (C)

Non-clinical factors that influence health outcomes are captured by social determinants information. In population health management, this data shines a light on barriers patients face outside the medical setting—housing stability, income, education, employment, food security, transportation, social support, and neighborhood safety. This information complements clinical data to help identify at-risk groups, tailor interventions, and direct resources toward addressing root causes of health issues.

Claims data track what services were billed and the costs of care, which reflects utilization and payments rather than the surrounding social and environmental factors. EHRs contain clinical information such as diagnoses, medications, and test results, and may include a limited social history, but they don’t systematically capture the broader social determinants that shape health outcomes. Lab results provide biological and clinical test data, not the social context.